Just when I begin to think I have it all figured out, things change on me. Yet I realize that even that type of thinking is wrong. Is it really changing, or could it be that it's how it was supposed to be all along? I tend to think of things according to how it all works in MY plan, rather than how it plays out according to God's! From that perspective, things are perfect. Always. From mine, they're all messed up. Every season of my life, I seem to learn more and more what it looks like to not only trust God's perfect timing, but to see it as the only way, and to keep from setting in motion my own idea for the timing of things.

Is it any coincidence that these lessons come primarily through my waiting for children? I think not. It seems to me that if, when we have kids, I begin to craft "plans" in my mind for our children, those will be crushed and altered time and time again. I believe God is strengthening us as parents now, though we do not yet have physical children in our home.

Therefore, this can't even be called a "waiting" time. I want to challenge that mindset. Because in my life, I am truly NOT WAITING! That gives the impression that when that time comes, it will be more important that the one I'm in. Yes, we will physically have the joy, honor, responsibility, and weight of a life in our hands, but if I am now simply waiting, I'm not active- and our lives in Christ are all about activity! My life is anything but waiting. Actually, I have 120 7th graders and a slew of faculty that God is calling me to pour my life into and build relationship with. I have a neighborhood with whom I need to be shining light and make myself available to, and I have a church family to lead and link up with to see the city reached for the King.

If you sense some aggression in my tone, that's exactly what I have. I think part of the enemy's tactic can be to get us focused on a "waiting" time, and we begin to fall back on our heels instead of being forward on the balls of our feet. We get comfortable and inward focused, instead of being poised for a sprint, and I want to be ready to jump at whatever the Lord lays before me. And I am determined that will be, and is my stance!

Geez Louise, what a week it's been...here's the quick rundown:

-School: going great, but CRAZY right now. This week I had three midterm tests and a big paper due. Then for the next couple of weeks, I have two more papers and two projects/presentations...so it's been full. But it's amazing how much I am learning. Going back to school has been an incredible experience. I am soaking it in, it's just SO applicable and I know the information is much needed for my abilities as a teacher.

-Job: this has been amazing! I had been subbing at various schools since August. Well, as of Monday, I am teaching 7th grade Language Arts three days a week. They asked me to do all 5 days, but agreed to work with me since I am in school. The situation was one in which their permanent teacher has been out this entire semester, and the interim wasn't going to be able to stay. It's been amazing to see God place me right smack dab in the middle of the situation. It's a lot of weight and responsibility, but my organizational radars are going off like crazy as I get that classroom back in order: both the room itself and the students, plan with the other teachers and LEARN A TON!!!! God's grace is all over it, the students have been incredibly receptive to me and it's just awesome!

-In Vitro: As everyone knows, we have had a slight delay, because I had surgery about three weeks ago (it seems like much longer than that) to take care of some polyps. That kind of delayed things...in order for my body to heal. We are still set to go, and anxiously awaiting, but at this point, it's basically up to when my body gets ready! (I'm sparing you the major details!) The downside is that we could run into the issue of the office being closed for Christmas. The whole thing is very exact and very timed, so there is a chance I am going to have to wait until January now. The circumstances are completely out of our control, but I know entirely under God's, so I am fully at peace with this and awaiting whatever He reveals as the perfect timing.

-Church/Friends: Jordan and I are just LOVING living in Spring Hill. I mean, we've been here almost three full years now, and working in the city even longer than that. There are connections and relationships popping up ALL OVER THE PLACE! We are having a chili cook off on Sunday evening for the neighborhood, and we've had a great response so far. It is just so on our hearts to connect people, not just with us, but with each other, and watch God work as people learn to live in community.

Okay, I'm signing off...need to study for my advanced grammar midterm before I head off to class this morning. Blessings!

I am up WAY too late. I can't figure out if it's because I'm more relaxed since I'm on "break" right now, or if it's because since I am on break, I try to fit way more things into a day than are humanly possible. And even though it's well past the time I should be awake, I am determined to see at least 80% of them accomplished.

You always have to take into consideration the things that come up out of the blue, too!

Jordan and I relaxed this morning, ran some errands, ate lunch at Costco...don't hate- appreciate! It was great! *smile*

We came home to do some housework-you know, the kind that you put off and off and off because it's tedious, time consuming, and you really don't see the results! Jordan mowed the yard while I worked on small paint touch ups. I also did things like meticulous cleaning of the blinds, and wiping baseboards. Don't you wish you were me today?!

I got some grocery shopping done. I really made use of some great coupons. Walgreens had extra virgin olive oil on sale for $3.50 for 17 oz, and I had two .50 off coupons, so I got two good sized bottles of olive oil for $3 a piece, among other things. At Kroger, I found two pumpkins for $3.49 (AWESOME!) and 2 bags of Starbuck's Espresso, already 30% off, plus my $1 off coupon, AND each bag is good for a free cup of coffee at Starbucks. Not a bad deal, if I do say so myself. I also snagged some "manager's special" steak for our dinner, and it was tasty! I grilled it, made some salad and sweet potato oven-fries for a yummy meal.

For the first time since we've been married, I carved a pumpkin! I did a VERY basic design; actually, I don't know if you can really call it that. I will hopefully add more soon, but for now, the pumpkin boldly welcomes all to our home:



And then certainly last but never least, poor Jordan had to spend his evening after mowing, working diligently on the putrid-smelling dishwasher. A couple of days ago it shut off mid-cycle, and was obviously stopped up. I got as much water out as I could, and washed all of the dishes in there, then left it for my wonderful husband to deal with.

He worked VERY hard and thanks to him, we currently have a working dishwasher. I am very thankful, because it was neither a pleasant nor a fun job.



Okay, there ya have it! I am going to ignore every fiber of my being telling me to clean each last inch of that kitchen before I go to bed; I will use my better judgement and get some sleep before it gets early rather than late. Hopefully, you are all sleeping soundly and will read this tomorrow.

Sweet dreams!

My blog has been incredibly boring lately, hasn't it?! So sorry! So little of my time is spent on computers now, unless it's typing a paper for one of my classes, that I just don't find that I can make the time to do much updating. It's funny checking my email once per day instead of several times throughout the day. Things change when you're not at a desk job.

I am just LOVING this season of life! It sure is different, but it's amazing! Teaching, even if it is just substituting, is absolutely incredible! I get to be with everyone from 1st graders (like yesterday) to high school seniors, (like tomorrow.) I am learning so much, too, from all of the amazing teachers in Williamson County, and believe me, there are some great ones! There is no doubt in my mind that this is what God is calling me to do in this time in my life. I'm excited and interested to see how He plays it out over the next few years.

School is going well, too. It's certainly full, but I find that I am able to manage my classes and the workload well. It sure doesn't hurt that English, things like grammar and literature analysis, come easy to me, and of course that I enjoy such subjects immensely! I'm very glad God directed me into this subject field. It's perfect! I'm basically a the mid-term mark of my semester. Wild! But, soon I will be registering for classes next semester. I am praying for (1) the financial provision for my next term and (2) my schedule to be right. Because I try to schedule all on Tuesday/Thursday and these are upper division classes, there aren't many of them...so it's crucial I get into the ones I am trying to.

And of course, on the "baby" front, I'm back in the waiting stage. Sometimes it feels like I will never escape this stage of the journey, although I know that's not true. To tell you the truth, some days are better than others- I think we can all feel that way sometimes. And there are certainly so many more who have had to wait, without hope, for much longer than I. God continues to encourage me and Jordan, and we are so thankful that He has revealed what He has to get us this far. I will, of course, update more when I know more, but for now, I am just trusting in His timing.

And I know most of you know, but some may not, that a few weeks ago, Jordan was instated as the congregational pastor at our church: New Song Spring Hill. He is doing an incredible job and we are both learning how to be more and more led by the Holy Spirit, and cover the people in our congregation well! It's a big job, but the grace of the Lord is everywhere, and for that, I am so thankful!!

Fall has fully set in here in Tennessee and it's just beautiful. I was walking to my car from my last class today, wearing my Uggs and a scarf and watching a few golden colored leaves lightly flutter down in the breeze. I just took a deep breath and smiled, enjoying the crisp, cool air! I love the fall! I love the feeling where you want to be outside for a bit, and get that slight sting of cool on your nose, then curl up inside with a bowl of chili or a blanket. Seasons are such a beautiful gift from God.

Well, I must finish up, I am off to a meeting in a minute, and then early to bed, because high school starts early, early, early! Have a blessed evening and weekend!

Well I am doing well! Surgery went fine, I recovered...pushed it a little too much but then caught up on my rest later on. So, now we're just waiting....back at square 1 with IVF....I guess not completely square 1....that happened a while ago, but square 1 for the treatments. Which is fine, since we're still on track to do it! For that, I am thankful.

Other than that, we had a full week. I had classes, work, meetings, and fun times with family and friends. Last night we celebrated Independence High School's homecoming, and Meagan Fernandez who was part of the Homecoming Court. Jeannie Wherley and a couple of the U-turn girls made shirts, and they were nice enough to make me one! How fun is that?!?



How fun is that? Independence won, 31-28 and it was a good game. Afterwards, Jordan and I came home and watched "While You were Sleeping." That really is an incredible movie! Great morals, great story, funny and so sweet. It's a few years old, but totally worth it!

Today we enjoyed celebrating with our friends Paul and Alison Hillenbrand at their baby shower. They are expecting their first, a little boy in December and we are all SO excited! Next week they're moving into a brand new house in Spring Hill, just right down the road from us! We had a great time, and I wish I had taken pictures, but I was busy taking them with Rachel's camera, so I didn't get any. Oh well!

Well, I must be gone...LOTS of homework to do, and this day, as relaxing and great as it has been, has FLOWN by!!! Must be working!

Quick update...I was scheduled to start my new medication yesterday, but in my IVF appointment on Thursday, during the ultrasound, they found a small spot on my uterus that needs to be removed. It's not a big deal...except that it could prevent an embryo from implanting, which is obviously very important in IVF. So, I am going in for a minor surgery tomorrow morning. I haven't been able to eat anything but clear liquids today, so I've had like 6 cups of tea, 2 cups of chicken broth, lots of water, and 3 jello cups! :-) I'll post later in the week to let everyone know how the surgery went, but please be praying that it's just a minor blood clot, and that we can continue on the timing of this IVF cycle. God is so faithful, and I know that more than anything else!! His timing is perfect!

Well we've had a great week so far! We got a little surprise on Monday, which was amazing!!! Looooong story short: Erin, Dan and Hopie got to spend the night with us Monday night. They had some MAJOR travel issues getting back to Florida after a wedding in Michigan, and ended up rerouted to Chattanooga for the night. Well instead of staying there, they rented a car and drove to see us! They got here around 7:30, just in time for dinner, and we played with Hopie until she went to bed. BIG THANKS to friends who let me borrow pack'n'play and soy formula! It was SUCH a treat to see them and I consider it a blessing from God!! Jordan had to leave early yesterday morning, so he didn't see them much, but I saw them for about an hour before leaving for classes. They made it home safe and sound- finally- yesterday afternoon.

I'm in the full swing of things with my classes. This was a super busy week with a lot of stuff due, but I was able to knock it all out over the weekend, and classes went well yesterday. I'm really loving my Education classes and (most of) my English classes.

And in other new, I am a pro now at giving myself shots. Haha...they really are fairly easy and painless now, so I am thankful for that. We'll keep going with this until 10/1....that's our first big checkup. So, until then....hope you're all doing well. Blessings,

Good morning! Hope everyone is fine and well this beautiful Friday morning. It's so funny how seven o'clock feels late to me now. I used to have trouble getting up sometimes at 6 or 6:30....not anymore!!!

I am headed to an elementary school today to sub in Special Education. It's a difficult area, but there is SO much opportunity and especially in elementary, those kids need to be loved on! I've only subbed Special Ed twice this year: once in Elementary and once in High school, so this will be my third time, but I love it!

I start my first major IVF drug tomorrow! Woo hoo! Here we go. I practiced giving myself a shot last weekend when Ferris was with me, so that she could supervise. It wasn't too bad at all! Please just pray that the medication itself doesn't hurt or make me sick.

That's about it for now. Blessings to you all on your day and your weekends. I think Jordan and I are headed out for a little high school football tonight for our date night, and it looks to be a great night for it!

So for those of you who haven't given up on me, here's a quick post for ya!

Life is going great! Full speed ahead and great! This week Jordan and I got to spend Labor Day with good friends Zach and Joy.....such a treat! We got to go down to Green Hills, eat sushi at Wild Ginger (their first time!), and play Settler of Catan...oh and eat guacamole- my favorite!!! I've subbed this week at Heritage Middle and Grassland Middle- one day as a math teacher and today for Espanol! And I had two full, wonderful days of classes. Jordan's been working hard, for sure, and is now leading a group of Spring Hill specific student interns for our church, which is amazing! And they are amazing...so excited for the group God's put together. AND we got all our IVF meds this week. It's pretty funny (not!) looking at all the needles that will be going into my body over the next 4-5 weeks. Geez! I think my body will just get numb to it eventually. But it is certainly well worth it. Please be in prayer for us, that my body will have NO reactions to the medication, that I won't get sick...etc.

Unfortunately, I have come down with something today. Had a stomach bug badly this morning, but was able to work...ended up feeling very flu-like over the course of the afternoon and am currently laid out on the couch...hoping to get good rest tonight and be back up and running tomorrow. I pray that all of you are healthy as well- it really seems to be starting to go around! Use wisdom and caution.

Okay, that's it for now, just thought I'd do a quick update. Love you all. OH! And our precious little Hopie turned ONE this week!!! Isn't that amazing!! I swear it feels like just YESTERDAY that she was born. She is precious, beautiful and a joy to all of us.

I am going to post this as quickly as I can so people don't think I have dropped off the face of the earth. This is going to be an amazing, but very stretching season for me! I am substituting every Monday, Wednesday & Friday (Monday I was at a high school, today at a Middle school, and Friday at a high school again) and L-O-V-I-N-G it!! Yesterday was my first full day of classes, I go from 9:40 in the morning to 7:30 at night, so needless to say- long day! Thursdays aren't so bad- same start time but out around 4. And then of course continuing to build relationships and help Jordan and our team cover those at our church. Jordan has recently become the congregational pastor of our church, which is a wonderful thing, but a whole new level of responsibility. No new news yet on the IVF front, but I will be sure to keep you updated. But, I must be off. Lots to do, but I am thanking the Lord for each and every thing!!

Substitute Teaching

This week has been incredible! Monday, I began what will be my "job" this year, although it feels nothing like that. I am now a substitute teacher for Williamson County Schools. Jordan and I have felt since last December that the Lord was calling me to be a teacher, and the next 6-7 months were spent really praying, checking things out and determining exactly what that looked like. I determined that high school English is the route I need to go, and will be starting classes at MTSU in less than two weeks to get my licensing to do just that. Class will be two days per week, and I was able to get hired by WCS to substitute; this was the first week I was available to do so. As the year progresses, I would love to be able to work solely in middle and high schools, but I am enjoying the days I am in elementary as well. Gives me a good idea of what to expect if in a few years Jordan and I send our kids that route.

So this week, I have subbed as a Special Education teacher in an elementary, a P.E. teacher in an elementary and a P.E. teacher in a middle school. I have 7th and 8th grade on the horizon, as well as high school choir, but most of the time I will know the day of or maybe the day before. It's very exciting and I am loving every moment of it. It took me all of about an hour of being in the school on Monday to know that this is EXACTLY what I am supposed to be doing. It was an incredible feeling. It makes me so anxious to get out there and teach right NOW, but I know that, too, is a process the Lord is taking me on.

And then in other news, for those of you that I may not have emailed directly, Jordan had surgery on Wednesday this week, which jumpstarted our In Vitro Fertilization process. I will technically be getting into my cycle probably next week. HERE is a sample calendar of what a "cycle" means, although mine will include 12-21 days of birth control pills prior to starting what this calendar shows. I will be posting a little bit on here about it, but may not share everything so feel free to ask me if you have specific questions.

Jordan and I are elated. In fact, as I glance down at the date on my computer, today is the 1 year anniversary exactly of when we had been told we could not have children. It was one of the worst things we have experienced and yet, at the same time, it was a glorious day because God held us and carried us and gave us strength in a way that I had not yet experienced in my life. This past year, since that phone call, has been a journey, and there's no way we would have made it through but for the grace of God. So, we're ready for whatever this year brings, provided it is by His hand!!

How much do I LOVE this verse,

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."

That's Psalm 37: 23,24- NLT

Psalm 37 is pretty much my favorite chapter in the entire Bible. I realize that's a bold statement, because there are so many good ones, but it's one that God has used time and time again to speak to me! What a treasure the Word of God is! I am so thankful for your Word, Lord. It is our light and our guide.

Wedding Pics!!

I'll let the pictures do the talking....it was amazing!!

It's really funny....there has been SO much happening that I could post about, but for whatever reason, I haven't felt like posting at all! Maybe when there's a lot going on, I'm just so consumed by that, I can't sort through it and figure out what to put on here. Haha! And even now, I don't really feel like writing much. :-) So here's a quick rundown of the last couple of weeks:

- Went to Florida to finish working at The Roe Agency last week (Friday was my last day)
- Jeremiah Pearson was born!!! (WOOHOO!)
- Had my HSG (Procedure for Invitro Fertilization, which we are beginning in a few weeks)
- Wonderful things happening with our church
- Celebrated a couple of birthdays
- Co-hosted a shower for my (almost) sister-in-law
- Getting to spend tons of time with my niece- precious!!

And here are some things coming up in the next couple weeks:

- Dylan & Meaghan's wedding- YAYAYAYAY!
- Beginning my IVF Cycle
- Jordan's surgery (for IVF)
- Starting substitute teaching
- Starting Classes at MTSU (for teacher licensing)
- and then a plethora of things considered minor in comparison to those things!!

I will keep updated, but this is a busy week as we're taking off Wed for the wedding. Super exciting!

Here's a picture of my little doll baby! I had so much fun with her (and her mommy & daddy) last week!

Here I am, sitting at the Orlando airport, waiting to board my flight to Nashville. And I am using our brand new iPod Touch. These things are pretty cool- of course not as much to all of you iPhone users but I am pretty excited. It is just amazingly efficient. Anyway... I had an awesome time in Florida, but I am certainly looking forward to seeing Jordan soon! I think he feels the same. I have lots of fun things to post about, but as cool as this iPod is...I shall not take the time to type a lot on this itty bitty keyboard. But whatever you're doing I wish you a fabulous weekend!!

Imogen Heap

Can I just talk for a moment about how much I love Imogen Heap?!?! And I do not use the word love flagrantly. Although I don't love her as a person (I don't NOT love her, I just don't know her, and how do you love someone without knowing them...I mean, I can love her in Christ....okay, but I digress) ANYWAY, I truly do LOVE LOVE LOVE her music! It is full of the most innovative and unique sounds I have ever heard. She is truly a creative genius.

Why am I abuzz all the sudden? Well you see, her last album came out in 2005 called "Speak for Yourself," and to put it plainly, it's incredible; Arguably my favorite album ever. She then released a single in July '08 called "Not Now but Soon," which of course, I snatched up right away. (and consequently, love!)

Then finally- FINALLY- she released a single from her new album last Tuesday called, "First Train Home." (the single, not the album) The album, "Ellipse" is currently slated for a release of August 25th. I've already pre-ordered it on iTunes and I am giddy with excitement!

Anyway, all that to say, I am listening to her today while I work...and it just has me all excited and fully anticipating the end of August. I've change my playlist at the bottom to play only Immy songs, so if you've never listened to her, enjoy some of my favorites with the music player.

Our Extraordinary God!

How can I ever feel I fully understand God?

He is so big, so immense & His plans are so much greater and more far-reaching than I could imagine. Reading Romans 11 this morning really makes me stop and think hard about the saving power of Jesus, and God's ultimate plan for salvation of both Jews and Gentiles. In the prodigious chapter of Isaiah 55, verse 10, 11 say "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." (NKJV) Everything God does has purpose. Everything He says takes root and grows.

I am in awe of the grace of God & His incredible plan of salvation. I am motivated and compelled to seek Him more fully and to share that love with others. And I am more convinced than ever that God has a pwerfect plan for all of our lives. As it says in Jeremiah 29:13, "...and you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." (NKJV)

His plan will be accomplished, but that is no excuse for us to sit back and do nothing. No rather, it is fuel for us to fan the flame of the Holy Spirit within us and sieze each day to accomplish His full will and purpose! Let us not miss moments. Let us not miss days. Let us not overlook an opportunity to glorify our unsearchable, magnificent God.

Romans 11:33-36 (NLT)
"Oh how great are God's riches and wisdome adn knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decision and his ways! For who can know the Lord's thoughts? Who knows enough to give Him advice? And who has given Him so much that He needs to pay it back? For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory ot Him forever! Amen."

MY goodness, WHAT A weekend!!! It was quite the whirlwind, but so much fun. It took a while, though, for me to catch my breath when I finally sat down last night. Let's see, quick recap: Friday: Robby & Ferris got over to the house right as I was finishing work on Friday around 4. Robby took off for a meeting, Jordan took off for some errands and putting tires on the Camry, and Ferris began scrapbooking (she's trying to catch up before their 1 yr. anniversary) I finished working and then joined Ferris, not scrapbooking, but making birthday cards for Dad, Robby & Meaghan, whose birthdays we were celebrating that evening. After that was finished and gifts were wrapped, I took my time making dinner and doing a few things around the house in preparation. Everyone arrived a bit later and we had just a FABULOUS time, sharing dinner and catching up with everyone. It was a sweet picture of many fun times to come with my family, and everyday we are getting closer and close to the wedding!! Mom & Dad were the first to leave, as Mom had quite a few things to do for the shower in the morning, and Dyl & Meg stayed a little longer. Once they left, R&F were getting ready to go and then I asked why they were driving all the way back to Murfreesboro and not just staying the night? They didn't really know and weren't really thinking about it, so after a little deliberation, they decided to just stay. That mean Ferris and I needed a quick run to Kroger, b/c poor Ferris had made delicious lemon bars for the shower, but now would have to settle for a box mix....oh well. We did that and got back: she made those and I made cheese grits for the shrimp and grits. And then we went to bed. Saturday: Early morning, made the shrimp, mushroom and bacon part of the recipe, got eveything together for the shower and Ferris & I headed up north to Mom's to help get ready. When we got there, Meaghan, two of her bridesmaids (ReAnna and Katie) and Mom were all abuzz doing things. Ferris & I jumped right in and we got things looking GREAT, just in time for the first guests to show up. We all had a wonderful time, eating, chatting and celebrating Meaghan and the upcoming marriage. It was a wonderful morning!! We hung out for a while, talking and helping clean up, then I had to run home and clean the house VERY quickly, then scurry off to "Movies in the Park" in Spring Hill. This is something we are doing the 4th Saturday of every month in Spring Hill until October. We are partnering with different businesses and churches in the city and helping put it on. It's been wonderful the times we have done it and we look forward to many more. Sunday: Got up early, got ready for church and worship, got the food together for the meal we were having after service and took off. Had a great rehearsal, first time for our new drummer and he did great! We had a great service, Jordan did a great job teaching and we had so much fun at the meal after service. Great time of fellowship, worship and God's Word!! As soon as that was finished, Jordan & I changed quickly and headed to Thompson's Station Park for FRISBEE! I was a little late (b/c I had to lock up the church) and when I got there, they were running 2 FULL games...we had all of the fab five there (JP, Dylan, Tres, Reagan and Jordan Fenton) we had some old-timers (Dylan Jones & Joel Kittinger) some Independence Team members and quite a few from Murfreesboro that Robby & Ferris had brought down. We played THREE full games and then finally took off to go home, shower and pack up quickly, b/c Jordan and I decided to stay in the condo. So, finally, around 7:15, (after a quick bite at Jason's Deli) we got to the condo, watched a little tv and then put on a movie. I had quite a night though....as I was SO tired that I had one of the worst headaches I have ever had in my life! It wasn't until about 4:00am, when Jordan finally switched pillows with me, and prayed for me that I was able to sleep. But thanks to the Lord, and I know it was the Lord, I was able to wake up feeling rested. So there you have it- LONG post for a LONG weekend, but wonderful, and I wouldn't trade time with friends and family for ANYTHING! I will post some pictures soon. And I am so excited for Ferris & Robby. As I speak they are en route, airborn to Naples, FL, where they are spending 7 nights down there...4 at La PLAYA and 3 at a b&b down there. I am SO EXCITED for them to take a vaca together AND to get to go to Naples. They will see Hope & Steve tonight, and I am SURE Erin will find a way to have them over (they would LOVE it Erin!!) So I know they'll have an AWESOME time! (Oh, and Erin, make sure you tell them about Coconut Point) they will love it there!! *UPDATE* (Here's a pic of Reese & Robby on the beach at La Playa- they are loving it so far!!) Okay, congrats if you made it through all of this, although I bet only Mom, Erin & Hope will be reading this sentence....haha!! Oh, and maybe Stacee too! :-) Have a great week

The power of dance

Last night, I saw the most touching, beautiful dance I've ever seen. On So You Think You Can Dance, Melissa & Ade danced a Tyce Diorio contemporary piece about a woman with breast cancer. My grandmother lost her very long battle to breast cancer, my mom has been cancer-free for almost 3 years now, and my good friend Robyn is currently half way through her chemo treatment, and doing beautifully. I have watched them battle it courageously, with honor and standing as a sign and wonder the whole time.

I see this dance through the eyes of a believer, with the male dancer symbolizing God, in all His strength, sovereignty, faithfulness and love and it's beautiful to me.

If you haven't seen it yet, please do watch it and I pray you enjoy it as much as I do.

Are you enslaved?

Throughout my day, I am making a plethora of small choices that all combine to make up the overall purpose of the 16-17 hours I'm awake. We were created for one purpose and our lives are typically defined and remembered by the overall legancy we leave, usually by one or two things that make up our "life's work." But in reality, what truly define our lives are the small choices, the day to day things that we do. Occasionally we may find ourselves given the opportunity that is "once in a lifetime," but most often it is really the small daily decisions that lead us to that opportunity.

And to break it down even further, the choices, determinations, advances and opportunities all begin and are determined by what is going on not around us, but inside of us. I am confronted by this reality as I read Romans 6 today, particualarly the first part of verse 16, in the New Living Translation.

"Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?"

Here in America, we embrace our freedom. At least that's what we love to think, but I believe we idolize our freedom and in some ways worship it, which can easily become self worship. (That's another discussion for another time!) My point is, we trumpet the fact that we are free, while in truth, we are all slaves to something.

The word slave certainly has a negative tone in our culture, and understandibly so, considering the grotesque ways some of our ancestors treated others. But when Paul speaks of a "slave" throughout the New Testament, it's actually used positively, due to his understanding of what it means. The Greek word here is "doulous," which is translated as slave, or servant in some versions of the Bible. It means,

"a slave, bondman; one who gives himself up to another's will; devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests."

According to that last definition, being a slave sounds just like what Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 20:26-28 or Mark 10:45: the point of the Kingdom is serving others!

So in Kingdom speak, to be a slave is not a bad thing, but a good one, provided that to which you are enslaved is from God.

So many of us become enslaved throughout the day to seemingly negligable things, namely, small thoughts, thoughtless conversation or overwhelming frustrations with others and ourselves. Before we know it, the insignificant things have turned into larger ones: depression or severe discouragement about one or more areas of our life, bitterness and unforgiveness towards someone or large secrets and sin. Inevitably, without knowing it, that begins to color our life, and the shades being used to define us are not always what we would have chosen for ourselves: the sunny yellow of joy becomes the muddy brown of confusion, the deep blue of peace becomes the black of depression and discouragement, and the bold red of courage becomes the seething red of bitterness and revenge. Without realizing it, the gorgoues kaleidoscope of color that God has created us to be is turned into a sorrowful portrait, dark and drab. To some we may seem fine but deep down, we know it's not as it should be.

The answer is found in the second part of the verse in Romans 6:16, "You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living."

My sincere prayer and heart's cry is that God will reveal to me the areas in my life where I am enslaved to sin; It's the small thoughts, the laziness and preference that masquerades as rest, the bitterness I hold onto, hoping to get justification for my insecurities. I want my life to portray the exquisite palette of Jesus: the bright white of righteousness and the gorgeous beauty of all He is!

And because of this, I will choose daily to enslave myself to Him, in areas large and small, and by His grace witness Him paint my life with the hues of His glory!